In the spirit of Mother’s Day this month, and with summer just around the corner, the theme for the month of May at DASHA® is Family, so we asked co-founders Dr. Pollack and his wife, Shannon Russo-Pollack, for their thoughts on the subject. DASHA® is in the business of educating, promoting and delivering wellness to each of you, so you can “enhance your well-being.”
DASHA®: What does the word “family” mean to you?
DR. POLLACK: Circle of trust.
SHANNON: Family is one of those words that is said millions of times a day and has many meanings. In addition to my husband and two children, I am grateful to have such special relationships in my life and consider them my family. DASHA®, my second home, consists of an unbelievable group of people who inspire me each day and have become a family to my husband and me.
DASHA®: How does your view of family and what family means change over time?
DR. POLLACK: You’re born into one family; and when you get older, you create your own, and when you do that, you find yourself making your own decisions about what you want in your own family.
SHANNON: When I was young, I was fortunate to attend sleepaway camp, where I developed special bonds with my bunkmates. Now, over 25 years later, these friendships have blossomed and matured into what I call family. We have been one another’s bridesmaids, supporting each another through pregnancies, marriage, and tough times. As you get older, you realize it is very important to have a circle of people you trust and consider to be family, in addition to your immediate family.
DASHA®: What are the great things you learned being part of the family you came from growing up, and what do you try to do in your own family now that is the same, or different?
DR. POLLACK: When I was younger, I learned the true meaning of unconditional love, strength, perseverance and loyalty. In my own family, I always try to be present and let my family know that no matter what, I’ll always be there. Sometimes just being there is more important than trying to try to do an action.
SHANNON: Growing up, I learned three things: 1) Do the right thing always; 2) How to give & accept love; and 3) Have empathy for one another.
DASHA®: People sometimes tend to think of wellness as a very individual journey or goal. How does individual wellness impact the family?
DR. POLLACK: Taking care of your individual wellness will only help you to be there and give back to your family more. Going after your passion or dream is also part of your wellness. We encourage our kids to go after what they love.
SHANNON: I do my best to take care of myself and my wellness needs, not only for my own physical and mental health, but also for the well-being of my family. Our children learn from watching what Darren and I have presented to them. They are educated on things most adults are unaware of in relation to food, health and well-being.
DASHA®: If there were one thing you could do better in your family, what would that be?
DR. POLLACK: I wish I could slow down and work harder! I would never sleep and work while my family slept, so I could spend as much time as possible with them while they were awake. This is obviously unrealistic, but you asked what I would do better!
SHANNON: I would love to spend more time just talking with my kids and figure out a way to divide my time evenly with my kids and husband so they don’t all fight over me!
DASHA®: Do you have any family goals, or goals related to your family?
DR. POLLACK: Enjoy as many special times together out in the Hamptons, take as many family vacations as possible, and don’t let the lines of work and business bleed too much into personal and family life.
SHANNON: Spending more quality time together in our home in the Hamptons! Take more family pictures! Continue sharing our hopes, dreams, wishes and fears together. I am truly blessed to have the family I do today.
DASHA® wellness & spa is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
